Israel

Danielle Knoller

Danielle Knoller | Photo: Körber-Stiftung

"How Julius Caesar brought down the Roman Republic" (2016)

In October 2016, twenty-four award winners from EUSTORY competitions met at a History Camp in Georgia. For this occasion they prepared posters about their projects and findings which were displayed in the National History Museum in Tbilisi.

My competition entry was about Rome's failure to adapt its city-state style government to ruling an empire and its consequences. Either out of genuine concern for reform, desire for personal gain and glory, or a combination of the two, Julius Caesar gave the Republic its final push over the edge following a detailed plan.

How did you decide on your topic?I love ancient history, and I feel it is widely underrated within school history curricula. When I was offered to write a research paper, I saw it as a great opportunity to showcase its importance: I chose to write about the last years of the Roman Republic and the life of a man who seemed to be hiding more than we thought.

How did the research affect you personally?My research paper proves my theory right: ancient history still holds a deep effect on modern society. From sewers to democracy, it is the source of all things. Even today’s prototype of the ideal leader is influenced by Caesar’s character traits as he was wise, trustworthy, loyal and charismatic. Today, I am more confident in my beliefs and they encourage me to make sure people understand the importance of ancient history as much as I do.